Contemporary Vocal Ensemble

The Contemporary Vocal Ensemble at Indiana University is to date the only university-based vocal group in the United States exclusively dedicated to the study and performance of vocal and choral repertoire written after 1900. It includes singers, composers, young scholars and instrumentalists chosen for their special interest in the music of our time. Depending on the repertoire, the ensemble adjusts its size to perform solo vocal, chamber choral and large oratorio-like compositions. After its foundation in 1980 by Alan Harler, the ensemble was directed by Indiana University Professor Jan Harrington until 1992. It is presently conducted by Carmen Helena Téllez.

The Contemporary Vocal Ensemble explores all significant styles of the last 100 years, from modern masterpieces to recently-composed works, including première performances and special commissions by internationally renowned as well Midwest-based composers, Indiana University faculty and students. The group also encourages collaborations with other artists for the development of interdisciplinary or music theater projects.

The Ensemble offers an annual series of concerts at Indiana University and performs occasionally in outside concerts and festivals. Recent projects include the commission, performance and recording of James MacMillan's Sun-Dogs (2006), for chorus a cappella; the Missa ad Consolationis Dominam Nostram (1994) by the Mexican composer Mario Lavista, and the premiere and recording of Juan Orrego-Salas's choral-orchestral cantata La ciudad celeste (2004). Other notable projects are the American, Midwest and/or university premieres of John Adams's oratorio El Niño (2001); Ralph Shapey's oratorio Praise; Karlheinz Stockhausen's choral opera Atmen gibt das Leben (1994), Steve Reich's Tehillim and Desert Music; Music/Theater Piece by Philip Glass; Arvo Pärt's Passio and Miserere, Gilles Swayne's Cry; James MacMillan's Seven Last Words from the Cross; and several world-premieres by Feliù Gasull, Aurelio de la Vega, and Jorge Liderman.

The Contemporary Vocal Ensemble produced and performed the first university-based performance of Osvaldo Golijov's opera Ainadamar and the world-premiere of Gabriela Ortiz's video-opera ¡Unicamente la verdad! (Only the Truth!).

External links

• Contemporary Vocal Ensemble at Indiana University